LEGAL AND FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

Driving: Although celebrating New Year is one of the most exciting holidays of the year; it is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year. Whatever your plans are for celebrating, please consider the CRIMINAL and LEGAL ramifications of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Make safe arrangements tonight whether choosing a designated driver, using Uber, or making accommodations such as hotels instead of driving.

Designated Drivers: Remember, you were selected to ensure the safety of your friends and family. The people who selected you have put their confidence, safety, and lives in your hands. You have a big responsibility. You are in charge of your family and friends’ safety and, at a time when they may not be in their most safety-conscious state.

The California Highway Patrol will observe this New Year’s holiday with a “maximum enforcement period” targeting drunk drivers on the state’s highways. Drunk Driving is one of the deadliest crimes this nation faces. During the 2014-2015 New Year’s celebrations, approximately 28 people died in automobile collisions on California roadways. Seven of the deaths were caused by not wearing seat belts.

Report Drivers who may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol: Immediately report any drunk driver or drunken behavior to 911, local police, or state sheriffs. Your decision to report drunk drivers may prevent that driver’s life and the lives of innocent drivers. The DUI Foundation has provided factors when considering to report a driver under the influence:

Appearing to be drunk based on gestures, behavior, stance, or posture

Weaving and/or swerving

Hitting an object or another vehicle

Driving off the road

Driving with the windows rolled down in cold weather

Passing recklessly

Braking excessively

Braking late and abruptly for signs and signals

Not staying in one lane

Overturning or making wide turns

Speeding excessively or driving way under the limit

Following too close

Not turning on headlights at night

Not using directional

Not turning on wipers when it’s raining

Before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence please keep in mind the civil ramifications you will face if you get into an accident causing personal injuries:

Punitive Damages

Generally, in California, in an auto accident caused by an intoxicated driver, a victim will be entitled to both monetary damages including past and future medical expenses, as well as loss of earnings capacity and punitive damages. Punitive damages are monetary damages awarded to the victim to punish a wrongdoer for their decision to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence.

If you are a victim of an accident where the other driver was intoxicated, rest assured Jabro Law Group will have no mercy against the intoxicated driver. Jabro Law Group will aggressively litigate and seek not only compensatory damages but also punitive damages on your behalf. Please take the extra precautions to protect not only your safety but the safety of others because no money will compensate the pain and suffering of those injured by your mistake in judgment.

ON BEHALF OFJABRO LAW GROUP WE WISH EVERYONE IN SAN DIEGO A PROSPEROUS AND SAFE 2016 NEW YEAR